Rapid progress in Mahara

By Ananda KANNANGARA

Kadawatha New City will be opened by President Mahinda Rajapaksa soon, construction Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Deputy Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna said. The new city has all the amenities of a modern city which is a boon to the people, he said.

Although Mahara is one of the biggest electorates population-wise it had no such facilities as a police station, or hospital. When I was appointed Mahara Chief SLFP organiser it was a challenge to me as to how the basic amenities should be provided.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa helped to make my dream of a modern city, a reality. State and Private Commercial banks, shops and markets, a court complex and a lawyers' complex have been relocated in the city for the convenience of the people. A novel feature an underground road diversion from the Colombo-Kandy Road to Kadawatha Ragama Road which will ensure the smooth flow of traffic on the main Kandy Road.

He said that Kadawatha the new city project is also a part of Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa's Gampaha overall district development program.

Over Rs.700 million has been invested in the new city development project.

It was Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa's brain child to launch "Sundara Gampaha" program to make Gampaha District the most developed, environmental friendly - beautiful and safest district in the island. The Wattala Kalu Ela Garden and landscaping development project and Ederamulla Mudun Ela and Orutota Kalu Ela development projects had been launched last year as a flood control and water management program.

The construction work of the jogging track and small scale tank close to Kiribathgoda bridge will be completed soon. Four more jogging tracks are being constructed in Gampaha, Mahara, Kelaniya and Minuwangoda electorates under the guidance of Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa. The jogging track is an outstanding facility for regular physical exercises. It will also help creating a healthy nation, the Deputy Minister said.

A developed road network is a key area for development. The Mahara electorate now has a well-maintained road network. Most of the muddy and sandy roads in 92 Grama Niladhari divisions have now been replaced with concrete roads at a cost of Rs.9.2 million. The remaining roads have been reconstructed with asphalt.

The problem of safe drinking water, a major problem in 38 Grama Seva divisions in Mahara and 20,000 families were in need of drinking water could be solved with the commissioning of the Kelaniya - Pattiwila water purifying and supplying plant.

Deputy Minister Alagiyawanna said that his aim is to promote material development as well as spiritual development through the development activities. It is no secret that an enlightened and righteous society could be built through education. The government has launched a number of early childhood development and school development programs during the few past years. This has given a boost to the children who sat for the year five scholarship examination.